The nominees for the landmark 50th anniversary of the Olivier Awards, held in partnership with Cunard, have been revealed, celebrating the best of London theatre across drama, musicals, dance and opera. The prestigious awards will culminate in a ceremony on 12 April 2026 at the Royal Albert Hall. The event will be hosted by comedian and actor Nick Mohammed and broadcast on television and radio by the BBC. This year’s nominations highlight a strong mix of major revivals, new writing and large scale musical productions. Among the contenders for Best New Musical are Here We Are, featuring music and lyrics…
Author: The Reviews Hub
The Reviews Hub
The Reviews Hub was set up in 2007. Our mission is to provide the most in-depth, nationwide arts coverage online.
The Reviews Hub Executive Editor John McRoberts recently took time out with Help I Sexted My Boss presenters Jordan North and William Hanson as they prepare to embark on their first arena tour of their hit podcast. On the brink of stepping from theatres into vast venues filled with thousands, the pair reflected on friendship, class, creative partnership and the unlikely journey that has brought them here. On the surface, William Hanson and Jordan North seem an unlikely pairing. They come, as they freely admit, “from two different classes completely”. They dress differently, move in different circles, and present very…
Liverpool is a city built on spontaneous creativity, and the Liverpool Improvisation Festival (LiF) returns this spring as its beating heart. Running from 7 May to 10 May 2026, the festival brings together the world’s most elite improvisers alongside the finest local talent to showcase the art of the unscripted to a global audience. From high-stakes improvised theatre to boundary-pushing comedy, LiF 2026 transforms the city into a hub of innovation. Supported by the Unity Theatre, Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), and Liverpool Arts Bar Studios, this is more than just a festival. It is a community where artists and…
Performing music is an incredible experience. The connection with an audience, the energy of a live show, and the joy of sharing your art are unmatched. But the pressure can be immense. The life of a musician, especially when performing, comes with challenges that can impact your mental wellbeing. It’s important to treat your mind with the same care you give your instrument. Here are some practical ways to support your mental health while you navigate the highs and lows of performing. Manage pre-performance nerves A little adrenaline before a show is normal, but overwhelming anxiety can hinder your performance…
Chichester Festival Theatre has announced a spectacular lineup for its 2026 season, promising a year filled with world premieres, classic revivals, and star-studded performances. The festivities begin on a grand scale in March with a giant-sized production of Roald Dahl’s The BFG, directed by Daniel Evans, followed by the gripping drama Magic, which stars David Haig as Arthur Conan Doyle and Hadley Fraser as Harry Houdini. In May, the Minerva Theatre hosts the world premiere of John Morton’s Eclipse, featuring Sarah Parish and Rupert Penry-Jones in a sharp and moving look at family tensions. This is followed by a landmark…
Writers: John Cleese and Connie Booth Adaptor: John Cleese Director: Caroline Jay Ranger First aired in 1975, Fawlty Towers has long been regarded as one of Britain’s greatest television sitcoms, celebrated for its razor‑sharp writing. Created by John Cleese and Connie Booth, the series followed the disastrously mismanaged Torquay hotel run by the irritable and socially aspirational Basil Fawlty, whose explosive temper and escalating blunders fuelled the show’s farcical energy. Inspired by Cleese and Booth’s stay at the notoriously eccentric Gleneagles Hotel in Torquay – where the behaviour of proprietor Donald Sinclair left a lasting impression – the show ran for only…
Universal Theatrical Group and Working Title Films have announced that the original award-winning production of Billy Elliot the Musical will embark on a new national tour and make its long-awaited return to London. This marks the production’s first West End season in over a decade, with a limited run scheduled at the Adelphi Theatre from 12 February to 31 July 2027. Prior to its London return, the production will tour nationally, including a festive engagement at the Palace Theatre Manchester from 2 December 2026 to 9 January 2027. While full touring dates and casting details are yet to be revealed,…
The Access Manifesto has officially launched as a pioneering movement and an urgent call to action for the UK arts sector. Developed by a coalition including 20 Stories High, Graeae Theatre Company, Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse, and LEEDS 2023, the manifesto aims to dismantle the systemic barriers that prevent Deaf, Disabled, and Neurodivergent young people from accessing cultural spaces. This initiative grew from the lived experiences of young activists like Maisy Gordon and Ayzah Ahmed, who collaborated on the award-winning production High Times and Dirty Monsters. Recognising that many arts venues were failing to meet the needs of the disabled…